News in focus: road charging - Unfair opposition

The AA estimates the imbalance between motoring tax income and road spending to be around £34 billion a year, although that figure does not take into account environmental and accident costs, noise and the impact on landscapes and communities.

Transcom recognises that people are worried about the fairness and level of motoring taxation and what might happen in future, which is why it set up the current study.

Louise Ellman, the MP heading up the committee, says: 'There are areas of clear public concern, which is why we are conducting an in-depth investigation that will help to inform opinion.

'We will produce a report for ministers and this will be debated in Parliament and will contribute to future policy.'